Al Fresco Affairs: How to Host the Perfect Outdoor Gathering

As the weather gets warmer, gatherings begin to feel lighter and more relaxed, shifting from formal celebrations of the holiday season to fresh, casual entertaining. The rising temperatures open up new spaces for outdoor entertainment, from back patios and gardens to porches, beachside retreats, and poolside settings.  

While nature provides a stunning backdrop, a thoughtfully designed tablescape can tie a theme together, enhance the ambiance, and make outdoor hosting feel just as special as an indoor event. The right mix of serveware, dinnerware, and table linens effortlessly sets the scene, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company and the experience.  

Embracing Outdoor Entertaining 

Gatherings held in the great outdoors create unique experiences that simply can't be replicated indoors, like a picnic in the park, a beach bonfire with s’mores and drinks from a cooler, or a packed lunch enjoyed on the bow of a boat. While you could recreate similar moments indoors, like roasting s’mores in the fireplace or setting up a picnic on the living room floor, it’s never quite the same, is it?  

Why Move the Party Outside?  

Whether you spend your days in the office, commuting, or constantly on the go, casual gatherings offer a much-needed shift from your routine. Dining in fresh air allows you to slow down, connect, and truly enjoy the moment.  

Whether you’re hosting a lively brunch in the sunshine or an intimate dinner under the stars, backyard entertaining sets the stage for a memorable experience regardless of how much effort went into party planning. Plus, who doesn’t love the gentle warmth of the sun, a cool evening breeze, and the soothing sounds of nature to accompany a gathering with friends and loved ones?  

Backyard Entertaining Ideas 

While you never need a special occasion for outdoor entertainment, here are a few of our favorite occasions to help you feel inspired:  

Havana Nights Gathering – Our Havana Nights gathering was first hosted indoors, but it can be easily updated to work as a backyard entertaining moment. This theme was inspired by Laura’s hometown of Miami, Florida, and features the same vibrancy and bold colors you can find in the beachy city.  

Citrus  Celebration – With its bright summer hues and fresh seasonal ingredients, our Citrus soireé is the perfect way to embrace warmer temperatures and backyard entertaining. Using dinnerware and serveware from our Citrus Collection, you can curate a stunning tablescape.  

By the Bay Gathering – The beach is made for al fresco dining, and our By the Bay gathering provides a casual and straightforward theme to take your outdoor entertaining to the next level.  

How Does Your Garden Grow Gathering – There is no better time to throw a How Does Your Garden Grow party than when your gardens are in full bloom. With a fresh, light menu and serene hues, this outdoor celebration creates an afternoon to remember.  

The Outdoor Entertaining Basics 

Backyard entertaining comes with different considerations than indoor hosting, but with a bit of planning, it can be just as enjoyable. Consider seating, serving space, and guest comfort to ensure your outdoor gathering feels just as polished as an indoor celebration. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning your next backyard bash:  

Set up a well-defined gathering space – Whether it’s a long dining table, a cozy lounge area with layered seating, or a casual picnic setup, creating a designated space helps keep your backyard gathering organized.  

Design your table – If you love the art of curating a tablescape, outdoor entertaining offers endless ways to create a look that enhances the experience. From layered linens to thoughtfully chosen serveware and centerpieces, the design options are endless.  

Consider the weather – Backyard entertaining comes with an element you don’t have to worry about for indoor entertaining - the weather. If it’s a warm afternoon, provide shaded areas, handheld fans, and cool drinks. On the other hand, for a cool evening, you’ll want to consider cozy throws, outdoor heaters, or a fire pit to keep guests comfortable.  

Prepare for outdoor elements – A light breeze is refreshing but can also send napkins flying. Opt for weighted table accessories, clip tablecloths in place, and use covered serving dishes to keep food protected during backyard entertaining.  

Keep lighting in mind – If your outdoor entertainment extends into the evening, use string lights, lanterns, or candles to create a warm, inviting atmosphere even when the sun sets. We love to keep touch tabletop lamps handy to grab in a pinch.  

Your Outdoor Hosting Essentials Checklist   

The date is set, and the invites have been sent, but now you need to make sure you have all your outdoor hosting essentials. Follow this checklist as you prepare for hosting a backyard get-together: 

Tables – Choose between a long dining table, a mix of small café tables, or a picnic-style setup to create a defined gathering area and make serving easier. If you do not have built-in tables, folding tables with linens work well, too.  

Seating – Ensure there are enough seats for guests to be comfortable. Mix chairs, benches, or outdoor cushions for a relaxed yet functional setup. If your gathering is more casual, consider a mix of standing areas and seated spaces to encourage mingling.  

Serving area – Especially for larger outdoor entertaining, a dedicated buffet-style serving area makes self-serve dining easy. Use a separate table or bar cart for drinks to keep the main serving area uncluttered.  

Trash and cleanup – If your backyard entertaining venue isn’t near a kitchen or built-in waste bins, set up a discreet trash and recycling station to keep things tidy. Keep it close to the serving area but tucked away from the main entertaining space. 

Lighting – We once hosted an outdoor gathering at a third-party venue and did not plan for enough lighting. As the sun set, we found ourselves in pitch-darkness, navigating with our phone flashlights. Learn from our mistakes and ensure you have enough lighting to create a cozy glow so guests can move around safely and comfortably.  

Tablescape Design for an Outdoor Gathering 

When setting the table for your backyard gathering, embrace the beauty of your surroundings while adding thoughtful details that make the event feel special. Regardless of the event, a well-designed tablescape ties everything together and makes the get-together feel thoughtfully planned.  

While there’s certainly a time and place for paper plates and disposable utensils, don’t feel like you have to use them just because you’re outdoors. We make it easy to host beautiful events {indoors or out} with our curated collections that feature durable dinnerware you won’t be afraid to take outside.  

Favorite Serving Collections for Outdoor Entertainment 

The right serveware makes outdoor entertaining effortless, allowing you to transition from indoor gatherings to al fresco dining with ease. From the natural charm of our Fundamentals designs to the classic neutrals of Signature White, our thoughtfully designed collections offer versatility and beauty.  

Fundamentals Collection: Stylish and Versatile Outdoor Entertaining Essentials  

Crafted with timeless designs and durable materials, our Fundamentals Collection blends beautifully into any tablescape. The acacia wood dishes and serveware bring a warm, natural feel to the table, making this your go-to set for backyard entertaining.  

Our Fundamentals Wood Ruffle Bowl comes in multiple sizes and is an outdoor hosting essential for serving fresh salads, pasta, or fruit, making it a must-have for outdoor entertainment. It pairs perfectly with our Wood Ruffle Salad Plate for a cohesive tablescape. 

Signature White Collection: Clean and Timeless  

With a neutral palette and ruffled edges, the Signature White Collection is a staple for everyday dining and special occasions alike, including outdoor entertainment. You can easily mix these white dishes with other colors and textures for a polished yet effortless feel. Some of our outdoor hosting essentials from this collection include:  

Signature White Oval Platter – An excellent foundation for serving grilled meats, seafood, or appetizers. The white finish lets your dish stand out.  

Signature White Ruffle 3 Bowl Server – An outdoor hosting essential for your patio snack station. This design features a knobbed handle that makes it easy to serve chips and dips, nuts, or garnishes in style.   

Signature White Ruffle Casserole Dish – This oven-to-table style is just as practical as it is beautiful. Whether you’re bringing a dish to a backyard potluck or baking something delish for a post-dinner sweet treat, this sturdy casserole dish is a must-have.   

Iris Blue Collection: A Splash of Color for Outdoor Entertaining 

Inspired by the beauty of botanicals, our Iris Blue Collection is the perfect way to bring a fresh pop of blue and a coastal feel to your backyard entertaining. It’s an excellent collection for both casual occasions and more formal parties.   

The small Iris Blue wood board is an ideal outdoor serving essential for cocktails, appetizers, or desserts, while the Iris Blue Pedestal Pitcher is perfect for pouring lemonade, cocktails, or infused water. Iris Blue pasta bowls add a playful yet functional touch to your tablescape. Use them to dish up pasta, salads, grain bowls, or side dishes at your outdoor dinner party.  

Nature-Inspired Collections: Perfect for Al Fresco Dining 

For those who enjoy incorporating a touch of nature into their outdoor entertainment experience, these collections showcase designs inspired by the outdoors. Coastal oysters, vibrant citrus, and lush tropical palms adorn the designs in our nature-inspired collections.  

Oyster Collection – We can’t think of a better way to bring a beachy vibe to your backyard parties than with a raw bar featuring serveware from our Oyster Collection. The coastal-inspired designs have everything you need for your seafood soirées.

Palm Collection – Featuring verdant palm leaf designs in shades of green, our Palm Collection will help you set a tropical outdoor table for your next Tiki-themed pool party.  

Citrus Collection – The Citrus Collection brings sunny, citrus hues and shapes to your backyard entertaining for a bright and cheerful feel. Its zesty designs are perfect for brunches, summer lunches, and lively gatherings.  

Choosing Your Table Linens for Outdoor Entertaining 

For backyard entertaining, choose practical and stylish linens, ensuring they can withstand the elements while enhancing your table setting. Opt for durable, weather-resistant fabrics such as cotton blends or linen, which offer easy maintenance and breathability.  

When selecting patterns and colors, consider the outdoor ambiance. Neutral tones like beige, white, or soft pastels create a timeless look, while bold prints like tropical leaves, coastal stripes, or floral motifs add a vibrant touch. For extra functionality, consider using outdoor-friendly placemats made of bamboo, rattan, or woven materials to add texture while protecting your table.  

Table Décor for Backyard Entertaining 

With the serveware, dinnerware, and table linens set, it’s time to focus on the décor. To curate your table décor, start with a foundation of natural elements like wooden chargers or linen table runners to set a warm and inviting tone.  

Incorporate eye-catching centerpieces featuring fresh flowers {we love Urban Stems}, potted herbs, or citrus-filled fruit bowls to add color and fragrance to your backyard entertaining setting. Candles in hurricane lanterns or string lights draped above create a cozy, ambient glow as the sun sets, making the space feel magical. 

For a cohesive look, choose table accessories that complement your outdoor surroundings. Playful touches like seashell napkin rings for a coastal theme or tropical leaf embroidered cocktail napkins for a summer vibe can elevate the aesthetic. Don’t forget the practical items like stylish clips to keep everything in place on breezy days.   

Favorite Recipes for Outdoor Entertaining 

And, of course, we can't forget the delicious food you will serve at your party. These occasions often call for firing up the grill and selecting some dishes from our all-grill menu so you can enjoy the flavors of the season. However, if you’re looking for lighter fare, these are a few of our top recommendations:  

Smoked salmon carpaccio with crispy capers – The perfect small bite to elevate your next backyard happy hour.  

Raw oysters with mignonette sauce – Does anything scream summer beach soireé like fresh oysters in a bright sauce?  

Easy Thai garlic shrimp – This easy-prep dish pairs beautifully with your favorite summer cocktail.  

Vegan summer rolls – While they take a bit more time to prep, your guests will thank you for these crunchy and refreshing appetizers.  

A Moment for the Cocktails  

Always on our menu – delicious cocktails {the spritzier, the better}. Here are our favorite drinks to serve at our outdoor dining parties: 

Classic margarita – It's a classic for a reason!  

Aperol Spritz – The go-to drink for any outdoor gathering.  

Gin and Tonic – Keep it simple yet refreshing with this delicious option.  

Tom Collins – Often called a “grown-up lemonade,” this cocktail is a winner of every backyard entertaining moment.  

Outdoor entertaining brings an excellent opportunity to blend style, functionality, and nature into your tablescapes, creating memorable al fresco dining experiences under the open sky. Embrace the art of backyard entertaining with confidence, knowing that your table is set for both comfort and sophistication.